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Local leads sales in Jersey

One of the strongest promotional pushes for New Jersey produce is the increase in demand for locally grown produce.

“The locally grown movement is great. It’s a big push that really helps us along,” said John Formisano, president of Formisano Farms, Buena, N.J.

In addition to the state’s Jersey Fresh program, now in its 30th year, companies can also promote their produce as “local” in other states as well.

Bob Von Rohr, director of marketing and customer relations for Sunny Valley International, Glassboro, N.J., said the tri-state area of New Jersey, New York and Delaware is a common definition, but cities like Washington, D.C., Boston and Philadelphia are also nearby, and a good outlet for local produce from New Jersey.

He said sustainability has also played a large role in New Jersey’s locally grown push.

“Reducing the carbon footprint by not having to truck produce five days across the country is a big thing,” he said.

Foodservice

Retail isn’t the only market for local produce. Schools and restaurants are also jumping on the trend.

He said by early March, he was receiving phone calls asking when local product would be ready.

“They are checking in with me to see when we’re starting. Lots of people are asking and looking forward to it,” Graiff said.

Challenges

Not everything about local produce is easy, however.

“More and more supermarkets are asking for locally grown produce, and some are being pushed into it a little bit because it’s harder to get what they want when they want it,” said Tom Sheppard, president of Cedarville, N.J.-based Eastern Fresh Growers Inc.

In addition to sourcing struggles, providing locally grown produce can cause issues at the register if stores have to ring up produce from each state individually.